Ridley Scott Tells History Buffs to ‘Get a Life’
Renowned director Ridley Scott has once again found himself in the hot seat, this time for his new film “Napoleon.” The film, which stars Joaquin Phoenix as the titular French emperor, has been criticized by some for its historical inaccuracies.
Scott, however, is not taking the criticism lying down. In a recent interview, he told critics to “get a life.”
“It’s a movie,” Scott said. “It’s not a documentary. If you want to learn about history, go read a book.”
Scott’s comments have sparked a debate about the role of historical accuracy in film. Some critics argue that it is important for films to be historically accurate, while others argue that it is more important for films to be entertaining.
Scott has a long history of making films that are not entirely historically accurate. His 2000 film “Gladiator,” for example, was criticized for its portrayal of ancient Rome.
Despite the criticism, Scott’s films are often popular and critically acclaimed. “Gladiator” won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
It remains to be seen whether “Napoleon” will be as successful as “Gladiator.” However, one thing is for sure: Scott is not afraid of a little controversy.
Here are some of the historical inaccuracies that have been pointed out in “Napoleon”:
- The film’s poster says that Napoleon “came from nothing” but “conquered everything.” This is not entirely accurate. Napoleon was born into a minor noble family.
- The film depicts Napoleon as being short in stature. However, there is no evidence to support this claim.
- The film portrays Napoleon as being a womanizer. However, there is no evidence that Napoleon was unfaithful to his wife, Josephine.
Despite these inaccuracies, “Napoleon” is sure to be a visually stunning and entertaining film. Scott is a master of his craft, and he knows how to make a film that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Whether you are a history buff or simply a fan of good cinema, “Napoleon” is a must-see film. Just don’t expect it to be a history lesson.